In the next place, we are also to note the end. He saith,1 that from this time he continued in executing his prophetical office until the captivity of Babylon: he held on his course then for the space of 40. years. Now in the progress of his book we shall better perceive, what and how sharp the conflicts were, which he was fain to undergo. But put the case the people had been much more teachable than they were, yet could not he execute his charge enjoined him by God, without extreme grief, and also like tediousness. For we shall see anon, what the sum of his message was with which he was sent. Seeing then he continued these his painful labours,2 forty years together: thence it is easy to judge with what an heroical spirit he was endowed. Moreover, if we seriously consider, what, and how many tempests were daily raised up against him, utterly to dis-hearten him, yea wholly to turn him out of the right way: hereby also will his invincible constancy, and ardent zeal, ⟨p. 4⟩shine yet more clearly unto us, in that he yet ceased not still to go on in those duties which he was to perform. Therewithal also we are to note, that from the destruction of the City, after which the inhabitants of Jerusalem were carried away captive into Babylon; that even then Jeremiah desisted not.3 For he was led into Egypt, as it may easily be gathered out of the end of this book; and especially from the 44. chapter: yea he was violently led thither, albeit he had (from the mouth of the Lord) cursed all the Jews who sought lurking holes in Egypt. Now when himself was thus constrained to go down thither, this might much diminish his authority: for the wicked (as we know) watch at every turn to espy occasions how they may disgrace and slander the servants of God. Neither might they seem to want some goodly pretext in this behalf: Ho, this fellow hath cursed all such as go down into Egypt. But (I pray you) where dwells he himself now? Even in Egypt, with the rest that are fled thither. Neither is it to be doubted, but the faith of this holy man was much assailed, by the breaking of these, and the like jests upon him; for as much as impiety hath evermore gone hand in hand with pride and arrogancy: yet there, Jeremiah constantly persisted in his course, yea even till the city was razed.
In the next place, we are also to note the end. He saith,1 that from this time he continued in executing his propheticall office vntill the captiuity of Babylon: hee held on his course then for the space of 40. yeeres. Now in the progresse of his booke we shall better perceiue, what and how sharpe the conflicts were, which he was faine to vndergoe. But put the case the people had been much more teachable than they were, yet could not hee execute his charge enioyned him by God, without extreame griefe, and also like tediousnesse. For we shall see anon, what the summe of his message was with which he was sent. Seeing then he continued these his painfull labours,2 fortie yeeres together: thence it is easie to iudge with what an heroicall spirit hee was endowed. Moreouer, if wee seriously consider, what, and how many tempests were daily raised vp against him, vtterly to dis-hearten him, yea wholly to turne him out of the right way: hereby also will his inuincible constancy, and ardent zeale, ⟨p. 4⟩shine yet more cleerely vnto vs, in that he yet ceased not still to goe on in those duties which he was to performe. Therewithall also we are to note, that from the destruction of the City, after which the inhabitants of Ierusalem were carried away captiue into Babylon; that euen then Ieremiah desisted not.3 For he was led into Egypt, as it may easily be gathered out of the end of this booke; and especially from the 44. chapter: yea he was violently led thither, albeit he had (from the mouth of the Lord) cursed all the Iewes who sought lurking holes in Egypt. Now when himselfe was thus constrained to goe downe thither, this might much diminish his authority: for the wicked (as we know) watch at euery turne to espie occasions how they may disgrace and slander the seruants of God. Neither might they seeme to want some goodly pretext in this behalfe: Ho, this fellow hath cursed all such as goe downe into Egypt. But (I pray you) where dwelles hee himselfe now? Euen in Egypt, with the rest that are fled thither. Neither is it to be doubted, but the faith of this holy man was much assailed, by the breaking of these, and the like iests vpon him; for as much as impiety hath euermore gone hand in hand with pride and arrogancy: yet there, Ieremiah constantly persisted in his course, yea euen till the city was rased.
- 1How long Jeremiah prophesied.How long Ieremiah prophesied.
- 2Jeremiahs constancy and courage, noted.Ieremiahs constancy and courage, noted.
- 3Jeremiah carried away into Egypt of the Jews by force.Ieremiah carried away into Egypt of the Iewes by force.
